EYC2013 on show at the National Ploughing Championships in Ireland

The European Year of Citizens 2013 was on display for all to see on the European Commission Representation tent at the Irish National Ploughing Championships, which were held from 24th to 26th September. The annual event is one of Europe’s largest outdoor exhibitions and agricultural trade shows, attracting on average 1,400 exhibitors and 187,000 visitors over the three day period.

The EYC2013-branded tent contained many interactive and engaging features outlining the message “It’s about Europe. It’s about you” and demonstrated how citizens can learn about their rights and make the most of them. 2013 is a very important year in Ireland’s European history, marking the 40th anniversary since it joined the EEC, and in order to celebrate this milestone, Michael Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, stopped by the tent.

Inside the tent were displays and information boards detailing for visitors the change in Ireland over the last four decades. Two touch screens provided citizens with access to the Europa website and provided a “single access point” to a wide variety of consultations, discussions and other ways citizens can play an active role in the European policy-making process.

A series of activities informed and entertained visitors throughout the days of the event, including EU themed quizzes, face painting and storytelling with the theme; “Europe, does it have any stories for me?”